{{Short description|Spacecraft docking system}} [[File:USISLogo.jpeg|thumbnail|right|The Logo of the USIS Association.]] '''Universal Space Interface Standard''' ('''USIS''') is a physical interface between medium to large crewed or uncrewed spacecraft such as satellites, [[space station]]s and service tugs.<ref name= USISA/> It is designed to be suitable for adoption as an [[technical standard|industry standard]]. Development is currently being undertaken by [[Mark Hempsell]] at Hempsell Astronautics Ltd.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hempsellastro.com/about/|title= Hempsell Astronautics Company Information|access-date=28 September 2014}}</ref> The rationale for the creation of an industry standard for spacecraft interfaces is that the number of applications for space vehicles is likely to increase greatly in the future ([[space tourism]] being a recent example). If each craft is utilising a common interface many new applications become feasible. This is somewhat analogous to the benefits which have been gained by widespread adoption of the [[USB]] connector in computing or even the standardisation of [[AC power plugs and sockets]] across some parts of the world.
==Design== <!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:USIS Designs.jpeg|thumbnail|right|Three designs for USIS proposed by [[Reaction Engines]], [[Qinetiq]] and Hempsell Astronautics.]] --> The fundamental purpose of USIS has been stated to "be a standard connection that maximises the interconnectivity between independent systems in both the open space (orbital) and celestial body surface environments".<ref name= USISSpec>{{Cite report |author= USIS Association|date= 28 April 2014|title= Requirement Specification for a universal space interface standard DRAFT|url= http://www.usisassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/USIS-Requirement-Specification-Draft-Fb.pdf|access-date= 28 September 2014}}</ref> To achieve this USIS must be suitable for a range of connection types, from ground made connections to hard docking between orbiting spacecraft. It must also be highly interconnectable (for example being fully androgynous, any two USISs being compatible), capable of bearing expected loads, capable of soft capture, and be able to sever the connection in a controlled manner. USIS also needs to be able to facilitate data, power and resource transfer when connected, and allow easy passage of personnel who are not necessarily trained astronauts in anticipation of the [[Space Tourism]] industry.<ref name= USISSpec/> Three potential designs have been proposed for the USIS concept, one from [[Reaction Engines]], one from [[Qinetiq]] and one most recently from Hempsell Astronautics.<ref name=USISA>{{cite web |url=http://www.usisassociation.org/usis/ |title= USIS Association Information |access-date=28 September 2014}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Spacecraft Docking Systems}}
[[Category:Spacecraft components]] [[Category:Spacecraft docking systems]]